Cardiac hydatid disease; a systematic review

Abstract

Background and objectivesHuman cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a common health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiac involvement is a relatively rare manifestation of Echinococcus infection. This study aims to summarize the evidence regarding the features of cardiac CE.MethodsCase series of the patients with cardiac CE, were included in this study. Non-English papers, case reports, reviews, letters, , commentaries, and conference abstracts were not included. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE databases and the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.ResultsOut of 3985 results of the searches, finally 37 studies were included in this systematic review. Based on available evidence, cardiac involvement is an uncommon but serious presentation of CE which presents with some non-specific signs and symptoms. Dyspnea, chest pain, and palpitation are the most common symptoms of the disease and normal sinus rhythm is the most common Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature. The disease is not associated with high mortality in case of timely diagnosis and appropriate management.DiscussionConsecutive and complete inclusion of participants, statistical analysis, and appropriate reporting of the demographics were the sources of bias in the included studies. The exclusion of non-English papers was a limitation during the review process.FundingThe research protocol was approved and supported by the Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (grant number: 69380).RegistrationThis study was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022381204).